We believe that the desire to make stretch marks less noticeable is possible. and Accept that they are a symbol of the amazing things your body is capable of. We also understand that you may want to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. There’s no miracle solution to preventing or getting rid of stretch marks, but whether they appear on your abdomen, thighs, hips, or other parts of your body, using moisturizing lotions, oils, and balms may help reduce their appearance or lighten their color.
To determine the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy, we tested 20 different stretch mark creams at home over a six-week period. During the test, I thought about the efficacy, feeling of use, and scent of the cream.. we also talked 2 certified dermatologists Let’s learn more about what characteristics stretch mark creams have and how they act on the skin. Our list includes a variety of creams, lotions, oils and balms to suit every budget and need.
our favorite stretch mark cream
When should I start using stretch mark cream during pregnancy?
Generally, the sooner you use stretch mark cream, the more effective it will be. Even if the skin has not yet stretched, the cream will provide beneficial moisture to the skin. That being said, once you’ve transitioned into maternity pants and your belly starts to show, we recommend using a stretch mark cream to help your skin stretch.
Why I liked it
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks provides soothing hydration. It’s made with water, glycerin, coconut oil, and shea butter, among other ingredients, and is free of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, fragrance allergens, and dyes. The cream is popular because it is easy to apply and spreads well on the skin. we also found Easy to slip intoIt looks thick when squeezed out of the tube.
It’s never pleasant to feel sticky after applying lotion, but this stretch mark cream Does not feel sticky or oily After applying; I didn’t feel like I had to wash off any excess afterwards. Additionally, Palmer’s stretch mark cream is nearly odorless, making it perfect for expectant parents who experience nausea or an aversion to smells. I had to hold it directly to my nose before I could smell the pleasant subtle scent.
But please be careful
The only drawback is the size of the tube. The 4.4-ounce tube is too big to carry in my carry-on on a plane, but it’s small enough that I used it up quickly. When applying lotion, I was surprised at how much I used.
detail:
- type: cream
- scent: Unscented (almost odorless)
- Main ingredients: Cocoa butter, shea butter, natural oils, collagen, elastin, lutein
Why I liked it
If you prefer the feel of a body oil over a cream and don’t want to sacrifice your budget, Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil is the most affordable choice. Contains lavender, rosemary, chamomile, calendula oil, vitamin E and vitamin A.
To apply body oil, rub it into your skin in circular motions. We tested Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil and found that: An excellent lightweight oil that is stain resistant. It has a dry oil feel and is perfect for warm weather. The oil comes out of the bottle quickly but rubs in smoothly and evenly.
The light scent of this body oil is very pleasant and has a slightly powdery scent. The bottles come in several sizes, including a tiny travel size.
But please be careful
If you choose an oil, it’s important to note that it can be more greasy than traditional creams. The oil may feel sticky at first, so we recommend wearing an old t-shirt or going naked until it dries.
detail:
- type: oil
- scent: flowery
- Main ingredients: Vitamin E oil, chamomile oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil
Why I liked it
Earth Mama Belly Butter is a moisturizing stretch mark cream with a lovely orange scent. Ingredients include aloe (great for soothing dry, itchy stomachs) and herbs, and are free of petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, and artificial fragrance.
Berry butter is Thick but light. I like that it blends into the skin easily and doesn’t leave a sticky feeling after application. The best thing about this stretch mark cream is its moisturizing effect. During testing, it was thought to keep the bump moisturized as the pregnancy progressed.
Earth Mama Belly Butter is also great for people who travel frequently. Also available in TSA-approved travel sizes.
But please be careful
We were pleasantly surprised by the orange scent of the essential oil, but we didn’t find the scent too strong. However, it is important to note that essential oils can be irritating to some people.
detail:
- type: cream
- scent: orange
- Main ingredients: Aloe, olive oil, sunflower oil and other organic oils and extracts
Why I liked it
Munchkin Milk Makers Twist Stick Berry Balm is smooth, easy to apply, and hydrating. To use, remove the cap and rub the balm stick all over your skin.just like applying sunscreen stick. This design eliminates the mess and stickiness of common stretch mark creams, making it easy to toss in your bag and take on the go.
The balm is smooth and not too sticky. Naturally, stretch mark creams can be a bit oily, but I thought this balm actually made my skin glow. Because balms have moisturizing properties, they can also help soothe chafed nipples and other skin chafing during breastfeeding.
But please be careful
Berry Balm has a warm, soothing scent reminiscent of shea butter and oats, without being overpowering. We enjoyed the scent, but the sweetness of the scent may not be for everyone.
detail:
- type: balm
- scent: shea butter
- Main ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter
Why I liked it
Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter is a deeply moisturizing stretch mark cream perfect for the winter months and for dry skin. we especially like it Reduced itching caused by dry skin When you need it most during testing. We also appreciate that it’s formulated from 99% natural ingredients including cocoa butter, shea butter, and jojoba butter, and is free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).
This stretch mark cream Unscentedthe scent is non-toxic and safe for pregnant women who may experience morning sickness or odor aversion.
The 6.5 oz tub can be recycled once all product has been used.
But please be careful
I love the rich berry butter texture that doesn’t feel greasy. As soon as you apply it to your skin, it disappears into your dry skin (although it takes a little while for it to thicken), so it doesn’t feel sticky at all.
detail:
- type: cream
- scent: Unscented
- Main ingredients: Vitamin E, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba butter
Why I liked it
If you’re looking to indulge, look no further than Hatch Mama Berry Oil. Our plant-based, gluten-free berry oil contains nutrients such as grapefruit oil, calendula, and sweet almond oil. (Since it includes Contains many plant-derived ingredientsAlways read the label to make sure you are not allergic to anything in the oil. ) Also free of phthalates, parabens, fragrances, and dyes.
of light scent It’s delicate and unobtrusive, so you’re unlikely to worry about your sensitive nose during pregnancy. We love how this oil soothes postpartum skin and softens and soothes taut skin around baby bumps.
But please be careful
It doesn’t dry as quickly as the lotion, but I like how it feels smooth on my skin instead of sticky or greasy (it made me feel like a million bucks while testing it!).
detail:
- type: oil
- scent: Unscented
- Main ingredients: Sweet almond oil, calendula, grapefruit oil
Why I liked it
Made with a peptide blend and a variety of botanicals like mango butter and Indian gooseberry, this stretch mark cream absorbs quickly and hydrates your skin. It does not feel sticky or sticky on the skin and feels good when used. that It also feels gentle on your hands.;I didn’t need to wash my hands after applying the product.
Everden Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream is an investment, but if you have the budget for a luxurious moisturizer, I think it’s worth it.
But please be careful
Although the label says the cream is fragrance-free, I found out that it actually contains fragrance. light smellHowever, this was not a problem as it would disappear over time.
detail:
- type: cream
- scent: light scent
- Main ingredients: Jojoba oil, mango butter, centella
Why I liked it
This oil contains vitamin E, gotu kola plant extract, grape seed, and other preservative-free, pregnancy-safe ingredients to nourish your skin and make it more supple.
Although no product is clinically proven to prevent stretch marks, Belli Elasticity Belly Oil provided the best evidence in our testing. Although this oil won’t change existing stretch marks on the thighs, one editor survived her pregnancy without stretch marks on her abdomen. This may be partly due to the use of this product. (If not causation, there was at least a correlation.)
Interestingly, this brand sells this berry oil as a lavender scent, but we mainly picked up the almond scent. (The product contains almond oil.) Overall, the scent is light and pleasant.
A little more expensive than the other options on the list, but Lightly scented absorbent oil.
But please be careful
The product includes true oil consistencyTherefore, it may take some time to completely rub into the skin. However, it is easy to spread and gets absorbed quickly with no other issues. I was grateful that it wasn’t too sticky and could also be used as a massage oil for a relaxing prenatal massage.
detail:
- type: oil
- scent: lavender
- Main ingredients: Lavender extract, almond oil, grapeseed, vitamin E, cocoa butter, gotu kola plant extract
Why I liked it
Bush Balm Tash Firming Cream is perfect for those who want to tighten their skin. It contains a variety of plant-based ingredients, including Brazil nut oil and coffee seed extract, which provide antioxidants and improve skin elasticity.
One editor used this cream on her upper thighs and hips and found that it felt nice and absorbed into her skin with little effort. There was no sticky residue left after application. For those who prefer scented stretch mark creams, this product’s sweet vanilla and almond scent is pleasant but not overpowering.
This cream is available in an 8.76 fl oz tube or a travel-safe 3.38 fl oz tube. Recommended for those looking for Improves skin elasticity and firmnessaround the stomach, etc.
But please be careful
The brand says the cream is primarily made for the butt, but can be safely used on any skin that needs firming or revitalization.
detail:
- type: cream
- scent: sweet vanilla and almond
- Main ingredients: Brazil nut oil, coffee seed extract, mango seed butter, natural oils
Why I liked it
If you’re looking for a body butter to use on your belly, check out Pipette Berry Butter. is made of all vegan ingredientscontains squalane derived from sugarcane, which nourishes the skin. Butter has high moisturizing properties and is very comfortable to apply. It also did not leave any sticky or greasy feeling on the skin. Due to the thick, buttery consistency, I had to rub it a few times before it was fully absorbed, but I appreciated how smoothly the product went on.
But please be careful
For pipette berry butter, very little scentmaking the application more comfortable. that light The scent is herbal, which we didn’t mind, but may not appeal to all noses.
detail:
- type: butter
- scent: herbs
- Main ingredients: Squalane (derived from sugarcane), hyaluronic acid, shea butter, tripeptide-5
Why I liked it
If finding a quality plant-based berry oil is important to you, consider Suzanne Kaufman Arnica Body Oil (formerly known as Stretch Mark Oil). This lightweight oil absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky feeling after use. very soft feel. It’s made with a blend of arnica extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and more to help your skin become softer and stronger over time.
The 100 milliliter (3.38 fl oz) bottle is small, but a little goes a long way (TSA approved). In addition to being plant-based, Suzanne Kaufman Arnica Body Oil is paraffin-free, paraben-free, certified vegan, and cruelty-free. This means that no animals are harmed during the manufacturing of the product or individual ingredients.
But please be careful
In the oil, unique fresh scent Reminds me of lemon with an herbal aroma. I enjoyed the fresh citrus scent, but it has a strong scent so it may not be the best choice for those who are pregnant and sensitive to smells. I also found that the scent was not very strong when applied to the skin.
detail:
- type: oil
- scent: citrus
- Main ingredients: Arnica extract, jojoba oil, vitamin E, almond oil
Other notable stretch mark creams
- Mustela Maternity Stretch Mark Cream: This stretch mark cream fell short when compared to the other creams on the list. Things went smoothly, but my skin felt wet. I also had to wash my hands after each application as the product remained around.
- Glow organic berry butter: we I didn’t care for this product, but other butters performed better in my tests and were cheaper than this product. However, if you’re looking for an organic berry butter, this is a solid choice.
- Mederma Stretch Mark Therapy: It absorbs quickly, but the perfume smell is so strong that it was difficult to use.
- Dr. Jacobs Naturals Berry Jelly: This product felt and smelled like ultrasonic jelly, which was unpleasant. It was also sticky spreading on her skin.
- Irene Organics Berry Balm: Although this stretch mark cream felt moisturizing, it reminded me of a beeswax-like feel on my skin (too greasy and sticky).
- Body Merry Stretch Mark and Scar Defense Cream: Although it is an absorbent stretch mark cream, I do not recommend it because the strong scent is unpleasant.
Our testing process
We asked 18 pregnant editors to evaluate 20 of the best stretch mark creams on the market over six weeks at home. Our editors evaluated stretch mark creams on several properties.
- feel: Our editors applied the products according to the manufacturer’s instructions and observed how they felt, including how sticky or greasy the cream was and whether they needed to wash their hands after application. We also asked them to note how quickly the product absorbs and whether it stains clothes.
- scent: Editors rated each product’s scent, considering whether the scent was strong or pleasant and whether the unscented product lived up to its promise.
- Effectiveness: At the end of the six-week testing period, our editors explained how the stretch mark cream works, including how easy the product is to use and how it fits into daily life.
our experts
In addition to real-world testing, we also gathered insights from two board-certified dermatologists and RealSelf Advisory Board members to determine which features in stretch mark creams matter. We spoke to the following experts:
- Sonia Badresia Bansal, MD Dr. Badresia Bansal is a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO, Co-Founder, and Medical Director of Elite MD.
- Janet Allenby, DO, Dr. Allenby is the founder of Allenby Cosmetic Dermatology.
Factors to consider when buying stretch mark cream
- material: When purchasing a stretch mark cream, you should choose the one that best suits your needs. If you prefer to use plant-based products, check out Suzanne Kaufman Arnica Body Oil or Pipette Berry Butter. Both are made with plant-based or vegan ingredients. Additionally, be sure to check that your product does not contain ingredients that are recommended not to be used by pregnant women, such as retinol or phthalates. It’s also important to find a stretch mark cream that will hydrate your skin as it stretches throughout your pregnancy. Dr. Badresia-Bansal recommends ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and thick moisturizers and balms.
- Skin type: Stretch mark creams come in many different forms, so keep your skin type in mind when choosing the one that’s best for you. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid creams that contain artificial ingredients or fragrances to avoid irritants or allergic reactions, advises Dr. Badresia Bansal. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a moisturizing ointment or cream may be more effective at retaining moisture and less irritating than a sheer lotion, according to the AAD.
- Fee: Some brands recommend applying stretch mark cream more than once a day, so consider your budget and how often you’ll need to buy a new bottle. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s a good idea to check the cost per ounce of cream. Some stretch mark creams also come in travel sizes, so you can try out the product before deciding on a larger, more expensive bottle. Stretch marks can be difficult to treat, so aside from the cost of the cream, you may be considering having an in-office treatment after giving birth, which is another cost to consider. Dr. Allenby says in-office treatments are likely to be more expensive than over-the-counter creams, but they can have a noticeable effect on stretch marks.
answer your questions
Why do stretch marks appear?
Stretch marks are a type of scarring under the skin that appears when the skin stretches rapidly, such as during pregnancy. This rapid change accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, causing stretch marks. According to Dr. Badresia Bansal, it starts out as a pink, purple, or red hue and gradually approaches your skin tone.
There are several potential factors that can contribute to the development of stretch marks, but a 2013 study suggests that stretch marks may be due to genetic factors. This means that some people are more prone to stretch marks than others, simply based on genetics. It’s important to keep this in mind when trying to reduce stretch marks, as your genetics can predispose you to darker or more stretch marks, and that’s completely normal.
Do stretch mark creams actually work?
According to the AAD, stretch mark creams are primarily effective on new marks, rather than older, more mature marks. Therefore, it is necessary to actively apply creams during pregnancy, rather than waiting until the marks become noticeable after childbirth.
Also, keep in mind that results may not be immediate and may take several weeks or more to appear. “Stretch mark creams target skin laxity, color abnormalities, and tissue shine,” explains Dr. Allenby. Stretch mark creams address skin thinning and abnormal tone by “normalizing (as well as) skin cell turnover, giving surface smoothness and radiance.”
However, stretch mark creams may not provide the desired final effect. According to Dr. Allenby, it is difficult to “100% resolve” stretch marks medically, much less treat them with creams alone. In her opinion, a combination of in-office treatments such as laser or radiofrequency treatments and topical creams is the best way to reduce stretch marks.
who are we
editor of parents And, as an avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their needs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University. When she’s not behind her desk, you can find her strolling down West Side Highway, watching reality TV, or trying to cook in her countertop-less kitchen.
